Family, friends and fellow police officers will say their final farewell to White Plains police officer Pasquale Barile today.

Known affectionately as PJ, the 33-year-old from West Harrison passed away suddenly on Aug. 11 due to a medical emergency, he was off duty at the time.

A 6-year veteran of the White Plains department, Officer Barile was recently assigned to the White Plains Neighborhood Initiatives Unit which involves developing a better relationship between communities and law enforcement.

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Family members say it was a perfect fit because it was not only PJ's dream to become a police officer, but he truly took the motto of "serve and protect" to heart.

They say he loved having a career in which he had the ability to protect as well as help people.

"PJ was a wonderful person; he was the strength of our family. He reminded us of what was most important and reminded us to slow down and enjoy the world around us,” family member Teddy Capozzo-O'Rourke told News 12.

Officer Barile leaves behind his maternal grandmother Carmela Testa; his father Biagio Barile; his mother Gerardina Testa; and his sister Gabriella Barile.

A mass service is being held Friday morning at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home in White Plains, with a procession to Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale to follow.